source for cheaper lumber and more choices

Hi. I’m new to lumberjacks and had a question. I live on the “space coast” of florida and was wondering if there are members that live here too. I am trying to find a source for lumber other that the home improvement stores. A nice variety and cheaper prices would be nice. I even have access to a tax id so wholesale is an option. I want to stay away from the internet sources as by the time you pay for shipping it doesn’t seem like there would be much of a savings if any. Plus if I did mail order, I would have to order a lot to absorb the shipping cost and I don’t have the storage space. I work out of my garage.

Any suggestions?

roger

-- >> my shop teacher used to say "do the best at everything you make for your mom because you're going to see it for the rest of your life!" <<

11 replies so far

I can’t help, but certainly sympathize. As odd as it sounds, I have the same problem in the woods of West Virginia! No Woodcraft even, although I’d gladly pay the premium for a stock exotic. I’ve had bad experience with the few internet companies I’ve used and you’re right, I ended up paying dressed/dimensioned prices for raw lumber. Good luck!

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

I live in a small town that still has a building supply/lumber yard that Home Depot has not killed yet.You might find one of those in your “yellow pages”. Their hours are terrible, customer service non existent, and selection limited to what local contractors want, but what they do have is usually better quality and better prices than the big box stores.

One option for you would be to keep an eye on your local Craigslist. You can find surplus lumber for shop stuff and even other people selling who knows what wood. I found a guy of there that sells lumber out of his garage that is decent quality. Also, stop at a couple of local cabinet shops and they might give you some info on there local suppliers. Good luck.

thanks for your replies. unfortunately all i have in this area that i know of is the big box stores as y’all call them. there is a woodcraft in the orlando area but have not ventured over there to check it out yet. got to do that someday.

thanks for the warm welcome.

roger

-- >> my shop teacher used to say "do the best at everything you make for your mom because you're going to see it for the rest of your life!" <<

Have you thought of milling your own lumber? You could save for a Wood-Mizer or a portable chainsaw mill, or keep your eyes peeled for a used one. The upfront cost is steep, and it would take 3-4 years for the lumber to air dry (unless you built yourself a solar kiln) but after that you could procure your own supply AND sell it yourself to other woodworkers in your area.

check out http://www.acadianhardwoods.com/ they are a wholesaler based in Louisiana, and they do have an office in florida. Not sure how far into florida they will deliver though. If you can order from them they will deliver at pretty good prices without a tax id #. Also check your yellow pages for any millworks or cabinet shops. sometimes you can develop a relationship with them and they will either sell you lumber or let you order through them.

Hi Roger. I live in St Pete. The other side of the state. The suggestions to check Craigslist are very valid. I have found several sources which are not lumberyards, but individuals who are liquidating their personal supplies, etc. Just this weekend I bought a powermatic 25 inch planer and over 300 board feet of hardwoods from a craigslist ad in the area. got a killer deal on both the planer and the wood. Be persistent and you will run across what you need sooner or later.

Heya Roger,I’m in Orlando and the people at the local Woodcraft are an excellent bunch. They generally have a decent selection of wood and can order anything you are looking for. I can’t really say much about how competitive their prices are because I haven’t made it to all the other hardwood dealers in the area. The 2 others I’ve tried told me they where wholesale only so I was out of luck.

Since I do not have access to a truck, and any decent sized orders I’d have rent a truck I find http://www.crlumber.com/ a cheaper alternative. After factoring in shipping it is generally the same as the local woodcraft or just slightly higher. But still cheaper when factoring in truck rental.

I’m fairly new to this so I don’t have all the answers, but hopefully this helps